If You Want To Climb The Mountain...

Recently, on a trip to Mount Rainier in Washington State, one of our selected activities was day hiking some of the trails. Now, keep in mind that we aren’t talking about summiting the peak, just doing some of the trails around and part way up the slopes of the mountain sides. As we began our journey with light packs (less than 20 pounds, or 9  kilos) it became quickly apparent that some of our party were not physically prepared for the rigors it entailed.  None of our group was elderly, all in were in their forties, and no health problems to speak of.

The real issue, is that most of us spend our lives in a rather sedentary fashion. (Or as someone once humorously mis-stated, in a sedimentary fashion) We live in air conditioning in the summer and the flick of a thermostat keeps us warm in the winter.  We have the ability to sit at home and be entertained by books, magazines, the internet, radio, television etc.  Grocery stores have begun home delivery of food and of course, you can order almost anything you might conceivably need from places like Amazon. The need to live strenuously is no longer part of our existence.   Modern living and all it’s glorious conveniences have blessed us (as well as cursed us) with ease.

The problem begins when we try to break out of the standard routine.  It may be a bucket list vacation, an emergency or something as simple as needing to change a tire on the side of the road.  We, as a society in general, just don’t possess the stamina and endurance that we need.  And so we pull a muscle, have aching backs or tear a bicep trying to loosen those stubborn lug nuts.

Our ancestors lived a difficult and physical life.  From building log cabins with simple tools and their bare hands, to plowing behind a mule or horse with a single point plow, to hand spinning and weaving fabric to make clothes, as well as hunting and gathering their daily food, they were kept lean and in top physical condition because they had to! There were simply no other options, there was no one else to do it for them.

So, when it comes time to climb a mountain, even if it is a grand adventure that your heart is yearning for, you won’t be up to the task if you haven’t paid the price in your daily living.  You see, being an armchair warrior isn’t the same as actually fighting the battle.  You will never rise to the level of your expectations, you always fall to the level of your training.  Climbing a mountain starts months before the actual attempt. Eating a proper, balanced diet, doing the right exercises to build up the requisite strength and stamina in your legs and back and choosing the right gear all starts at home and in the local gym.  You can drop a lot of money on a trip and buying gear and still not be able to go the distance when it counts.  Physical preparation of one’s body is more important than the latest and greatest gear.  The best hiking boots in the world won’t take you up the mountain if your legs give out on you!

Spiritually speaking, preparation of your spirit and soul is also of paramount importance when it comes to fighting the good fight of faith.  The disciples found out about this very important principle when someone brought a child to them which was plagued by an evil spirit.  They earnestly tried to cast it out of the child and were unsuccessful in their attempt. Now this was a serious need, as the child, acted upon by the evil spirit, had been cast into the fire to try and burn him and into the water to try and drown him and was suffering as well from mental illness.  However, the disciples lack of preparation made them powerless to act in the child’s behalf.  So, the desperate father brought the child to Jesus who promptly cast out the devil and the child was cured and restored to physical and mental health immediately.

When the disciples came to Jesus privately later on and asked why they failed, He rebuked them for their lack of faith but also added that “this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting”. Matthew 17:21  What we learn from this is that Jesus had already been praying and fasting, He was already prepared.  He didn’t wait until someone brought a sick child to Him and then say “I need a few days to pray and fast and get ready”. No, He already live a prepared life. He prayed and fasted on a regular basis so that when the need or crisis presented itself, He could overcome it right away.

This is how we need to live our lives as well.  Whether it is climbing a mountain or casting one into the sea, we need to live a prepared life.  So start today.  Live a life of faithful readiness.  Don’t put it off.  Change your diet, sign up at the local gym, start walking and climbing and hiking.  Fill your life with discipline and prayer.  And remember, if you want to climb that mountain, you have to start getting ready now!

Thanks for reading!

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James B